In order to enter the laboratory where the USS Monitor is being restored, Kathy was asked to wear rubber boots to protect her feet. All of the parts that have been raised from the Monitor are saturated with salt from being in the sea water for 150 years. Before these items can be displayed they need to have the salt drawn out. The process to do this involves submerging the parts in a special solution and enhancing the process with electrolysis and a slight electrical charge. The boots were worn to prevent exposure to the solution should their be a spill.